Abstract
The article analyses the problems and prospects of leadership competences in students of pedagogical universities as a potential for effective management of educational processes. The relevance of the study is determined by the need to train teachers who are able to display leadership qualities and successfully manage educational institutions. The main theoretical approaches to leadership, including the traditional leadership theory (trait theory), the concept of situational leadership, the theory of transformational leadership, the concept of distributed leadership and the theory of ethical leadership were considered for analysis. The article also discusses the importance of pedagogical reflection as an important aspect of leadership competence. According to the results of the survey conducted among students and teachers of pedagogical universities, the majority of respondents highlight leadership competences as the main quality of a successful teacher. Confidence, communication skills, determination, charisma, creativity and empathy are among the most important qualities. However, the level of leadership training in teacher training institutions, according to the survey participants, is assessed as average, which indicates the need to improve educational programmes. In particular, it is suggested to include active trainings aimed at developing specific leadership skills, to introduce school leadership projects, to develop cases for analysing managerial situations, to use virtual simulators to practice pedagogical management skills.